Nutrition

Sara R. Zwart, Ph.D. Monica V. Trevathan Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory Johnson Space Center - NASA Monica V. Trevathan Education Specialist Human Health and Performance Johnson Space Center - NASA June 23, 2005

Learning Objectives Participants will expand their science content knowledge in the area of Nutrition by: Describing the importance of proper nutrition for our bodies on Earth and for human space exploration. Identifying human body systems that are affected by inadequate nutrition (on Earth and in space). Explaining some challenges in nutrition and food for human exploration and long duration space flight.

Adaptation to Weightlessness Muscle Psychological/ Behavioral/ Performance Bone Fluid shifts, hematological Taste & odor Cardiovascular Neurosensory Gastrointestinal Sleep & circadian rhythm Environmental

What is the Function of Nutrition? Psychosocial aspects Meet energy/nutrient requirements Countermeasure

Classroom Project Idea Go to www.mypyramid.gov My Pyramid Tracker can track food intake for 24 hours and give a report

Energy Intake

Energy Intake POLL QUESTION In general, most astronauts eat less than their recommended intake. Does this necessarily mean they lose weight?

Body Weight

SLAMMD

Vitamin D

Vitamin D

Vitamin D Stimulates calcium absorption in the intestine Deficiency can lead to: Rickets Osteomalacia

Where is vitamin D synthesized in the body?

POLL QUESTION Which of the following is NOT a source of Vitamin D?

Nutrients Critical for Bone Health Calcium Vitamin D Vitamin K Phosphorus Magnesium

Bone Bone breakdown Bone formation

Bone Loss Bone Loss Fracture Risk Stone Risk Adapted from Heaney et al, 2000

Potential Countermeasures Nutrition Exercise Pharmacology

Biochemical Markers of Bone Breakdown N-telopeptide Helical peptide

Level of dietary sodium at each stage of the study NTX (nmol/d) Level of dietary sodium at each stage of the study Experiment days

European Mir Mission (Days)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Beneficial effects on cholesterol, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular health Inhibit muscle loss in subjects with hyper-catabolic diseases Protective effects on bone health

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Clinical trial with cancer cachexia patients (Wigmore et al. 1996)

Animal protein/Potassium

Chicken Bone in Acid In the classroom, use the “famous” chicken bone in acid lab experiment to demonstrate acid effects on bones See: http://haco.jsc.nasa.gov/pdf/pH Experiment.pdf ….plus, ideas for more on nutrition and bones!

Next Stop: Mars!! Nutrition is critical due to length of missions Critical issues: Are vitamins stable after exposure to deep-space radiation? Are nutrients stable for long shelf life (up to 5 years)?

Food System Issues Nutrient content Palatability Shelf-life Preparation Storage Trash

How will Extreme Conditions of Space Affect Food Supply? Closed food system Radiation Long-term storage Depletion of a single nutrient could be deadly after 3 years

For Example… Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Easily destroyed by heat and light Deficiency beriberi develops within 2-3 months neurological and cardiovascular effects

Another Example Vitamin C Deficiency Scurvy Bleeding around hair follicles, gums and underneath fingernails Effects of radiation and long-duration storage are unknown for space flight

Nutrition Research On Earth and in space: Nutrition is more than just eating food Food choices are important Nutrition affects all body systems Countermeasures for conditions such as osteoporosis

Related NASA Education Material National Space and Biomedical Research Institute Activities Guides for Teachers 5-8 grade http://www.nsbri.org/Education/index.html

Related NASA Education Material NASA CONNECT™ Math & Science integration “Better Health from Space to Earth” Grades 5-8 http://connect.larc.nasa.gov

Sara R. Zwart, Ph.D. Monica V. Trevathan Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory Johnson Space Center - NASA Monica V. Trevathan Education Specialist Human Health and Performance Johnson Space Center - NASA